It’s still a little early for fresh produce but that didn’t seem to bother folks at the Apex Farmer Market. The market kicked off another new season Saturday morning on Salem St. with vendors selling a wide variety of goods. Cooking spices, fresh eggs, baked goods, barbecue, kennel corn, fresh meat, all natural candles, fresh flowers, homemade ice cream, honey, and handmade jewelry were among the items being sold.

Market organizer Debbie Lubcker said local farmers will begin selling their delicious fruits and vegetables in a few more weeks.

“The produce will start arriving at the end of April or the first of May,” said Lubcker. “I have four or five produce people this year, including a couple of new ones.”

The lack of produce didn’t seem to deter a steady stream of customers who took advantage of a beautiful spring day.

“We had gorgeous weather and a lot of people came out,” said Lubcker. “We’re real happy with the turnout and excited about our vendors this year.” “It’s like any other business, we were slow at times and busy at other times,” said Mike Evans of White Swan Bar-B-Q and Fried Chicken. “But I thought things went well for the first day.”

Cary resident Emma Getz, 7, was easily the youngest vendor at the market. With the help of her mom, Christy, she sold beaded clippers and bottle cap necklaces made by her aunt. The proceeds benefit a children’s charity in Vietnam.

“It’s been a great day,” said Christy Getz. “We’ve had perfect weather and a lot of people. You can come here and enjoy some good barbecue, visit (all the vendors) and even help children in Vietnam.”

While Lubcker aims to maintain the market’s high standards for produce and other items, she is also planning a few changes to increase its public appeal.

“We are trying to make it more like a carnival atmosphere to bring more people here with their children,” said Lubcker. “We are looking into having a magician every week and we’ll also have music. We want to keep it a farmer’s market but at the same time draw more families with children.”

Another new twist is the availability of an indoor facility during rainy days. The market will be held at the Beaver Creek Townhomes clubhouse located on Hwy. 55 next to Daniel’s Restaurant.

“When it rains we’ll just hold the market at the clubhouse,” said Lubcker. “We’ll also be there from twice a month from November to April. We tried it this winter and it turned out wonderful.”

The Apex Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the chamber of commerce building at 220 N. Salem St.